[1] Introduction

When we look at an illustration, it must in a few seconds immerse us in a universe and a particular story. For the magic to work, the composition must be readable and effective to focus the eye on what is really important.

In this tutorial, we are going to see several techniques and tips to allow you to increase the immersion in an image, both in composition and in light management and even when coloring!

[2] Composition of your scene

So let's start by defining a new workspace in the software

[File]> [New]

To achieve your scene, you will need to identify the best point of view to highlight the main subject. Imagine that you are in control of the camera filming the scene. You will be able to position it in space to achieve your ideal composition.

 

■ Create perspective

 

By placing the camera high above the subject, you get an overview of the scene with a crushing sensation. By placing the camera in a low angle below the subject, it gives presence to the elements represented in the image.

The choice of representing your scene from above or from low angle will bring perspective to your image. The elements you are going to represent will therefore change size depending on the proximity to the camera. Do not hesitate to punctuate your image with recurring objects that will be used in different locations (characters, architectural elements such as pillars, doors or even natural elements such as trees, rocks ...). They give an indication of scale to the viewer.

 

In the example, the flowers will enhance the perspective.

■ Put elements out of scope

 

Our brain is able to imagine what is expressed outside the frame as long as part of it remains visible in the image. This trick gives the viewer the impression that the scene depicted is part of an even larger whole.

By placing an element in the foreground of the image, we give a new landmark to the viewer who can more easily understand his position in the scene. Even if it does not exist, we will have to find an element to position in the foreground (foliage, tree trunk, legs of a character ... or any other relevant object in the scene)

 

■ Decenter the image

 

You should avoid strictly horizontal compositions that lack dynamism. The solution is to tilt your scene slightly to offset the subject and give rhythm to the composition. This simple trick immediately changes your perception of the image.

During this step, it is possible to modify the final format of the illustration to suit the needs of the composition. To do this, select [Edit]> [Change canvas size]. You can resize your canvas manually or by directly changing the dimensions in the window.

[3] Light and shadow management

Once your composition is finalized, you will be able to work on the lighting of the stage. This should allow you to create contrast between the different planes of the image.

 

■ Position the shadows in relation to the light source

 

In the example presented, we will imagine that the light is placed above the characters, slightly in front of them, to the right. The flowers in the foreground are plunged into darkness as they are facing the viewer.

■ Adjust the brightness / contrast of the image planes

 

In order to facilitate the work of the different planes, it is best to create different layers for each of them in the [Layers] Panel.

Now, we will be able to independently adjust the brightness and the contrast of each of the planes using the [Edit]> [Hue correction]> [Brightness / contrast] command.

Close shots will be darker and more contrasted while distant shots will be brighter and less contrasting. It is therefore necessary to simultaneously play on the [Brightness] and [Contrast] parameters in opposition.

 

■ Thickness and opacity of the path

 

Another trick can be used to enhance depth of field by adjusting the opacity and stroke thickness of your illustration.

 

The further apart the image elements are, the finer the path will be with reduced opacity. To change the opacity of a Layer, you must select it in the [Layers Palette] and move the opacity slider located at the top of the palette.

[4] Color contrasts

Now that we have an overview of the stage lighting, it's time to move on to color the stage. This work must not only create a specific atmosphere but it must also strengthen the depth.

 

■ Adjust the ambient color

 

After a first coloring of the entire illustration, we will be able to apply the Shadow layers previously made in [Product] mode above the color layers.

These shadows worked in grayscale must reflect the overall mood of the scene, namely the color of the sky. To modify the shadows we are going to use the command [Edit]> [Hue correction]> [Color balance].

 

Finally, we can decrease the opacity of the layers for better integration of shadows in the illustration.

■ Use of opposing shades

 

We are now going to create 2 overlay layers above the image.

In the Tool Palette, click on the [Gradient] icon and then choose [Foreground to transparent] in order to achieve a color gradient on each of the layers. You can also use a low hardness brush to create a halo of color.

 

The colors chosen will further mark the difference between the foreground and the background. Use the color wheel in the color picker to choose diametrically opposed hues.

Once your gradient layers have been created, you can always readjust your colors using the [Edit]> [Hue correction]> [Hue / Saturation / Luminosity] command.

[5] Atmospheric effects

The last step is to add different atmospheric and light effects to give volume to the illustration.

 

■ Adding atmosphere layers

 

In a landscape, the further away an element is, the more it fades and merges with the color of the sky. In order to produce this effect, we will select the color of our sky with the [Eyedropper] tool.

Then just create a new layer and use a gradient going up from the color of the sky. For the closest elements you can gradually fade the opacity of the layer.

■ Light halos inlay

 

Adding light halos to key areas of the image will add density to the illustration. In particular, this will help bring out elements of the image that are not impacted by these effects, such as the characters here.

■ Blur on the foreground

 

To finish, we will add blur on the foreground elements from the menu [Filter]> [Blur]> [Gaussian blur]

The illustration is finished!

Do not hesitate to share your creations in the comments of this tutorial;)

About the Author

My name is Axendre and I am the creator of the dynamic and interactive comic strip “Eden, the second dawn” that you can read for free!

On the site you can also participate in the development of your own story in the universe of Eden by taking advantage of the many resources available.

 

My goal is to transform the vision of comics by allowing everyone to create new reading experiences, whatever their level!